Bells are Ringing NYC Reviews and Tickets

88%

(13 Reviews)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Delightful, Entertaining, Funny, Fluffy, Great singing

About the Show

Musicals Tonight presents this 1956 musical romantic comedy which follows the exploits of Ella, a telephone answering service operator with a fascination for her client’s private lives.

At Susanswerphone, Ella uses a variety of voices and personae to keep herself entertained. As she follows the lives of her customers, Ella becomes inextricably involved with a handsome playwright, a fledgling record company, and a dangerous crime ring. The tuneful score, with lyrics by Comden & Green, features some of Jule Styne’s most popular songs, including 'Just in Time,' 'The Party’s Over,' 'Long Before I Knew You' and 'Better Than a Dream.'

Member Reviews (13)

Delightful, Well staged/choreographed, Fluffy, Clever, Lively

See it if you like Musicals Tonight classics. BAR is especially fun, w its clever staging & plotting, terrific C&G lyrics, and strong cast.

Don't see it if you want B'way quality. MT delivers "summer stock" w/lots of talent. This time, piano AND drum. The leading lady vastly outshines her fellow Read more

Zany, Masterful, Fluffy, Funny, Charming

See it if you love the improbable stories that are made to work so beautifully in a Comden and Green musical. It's a miracle what is wrought here. Go!

Don't see it if you need all the bells and whistles that usually go with a Broadway musical. Read more

Clever, Funny, Delightful, Great singing, Fun!

See it if Funny, fizzy, classic musical w/outstanding music & lyrics by Comden & Green. Oakley Boycott is a standout in a terrific cast. So much fun!

Don't see it if Musicals Tonight productions are bare bones - minimal scenery & orchestration. But great singing & dancing & costumes & energy. Just go! Read more

Dated, Entertaining, Enchanting, Delightful, Quirky

See it if If you like cute golden age shows done in a really fun and intimate way.

Don't see it if If you prefer the style of modern musicals.

Delightful, Entertaining, Funny, Fluffy, Romantic

See it if you love the classic musical comedies

Don't see it if you need them to be cast properly Read more

Delightful, Entertaining, Great writing, Hilarious

See it if you enjoy classic musical comedy

Don't see it if you demand elaborate sets and full-scale production values. Prefer contemporary shows Read more

Enchanting, Entertaining, Funny, Great singing, Great acting

See it if You love musicals from Broadway’s golden era and original ones to boot. Musicals Tonight has never been better.

Don't see it if You are looking for a huge glitzy extravaganza. They achieve miracles in a vest pocket theatre.

Delightful, Entertaining, Great staging

See it if you want to see a classic musical comedy presented by talented individuals and want to recognize several iconic musical theater songs.

Don't see it if you want a full-blown production and not appreciative of an entertaining but sometime "silly" plot with good songs.

Critic Reviews (2)

“Shows written for Ethel Merman, Mary Martin or Barbra Streisand are a hard act to follow but choosing irrepressible Oakley Boycott for the Judy Holliday role in the revival of the 1956 musical comedy ‘Bells are Ringing’ was inspired casting. Not only is this standout talent an excellent actress, singer and dancer, but she is more glamorous than Holliday ever was and has a bigger vocal range. Needless to say she makes the role of Ella Peterson aka Melisande Scott entirely her own.”
Read more

"This is a cute musical. Even its being dated doesn’t dim innate charm...For the piece to work, it must be awash with convincing naïveté, not camp. Sometimes this is accomplished beautifully, at others, actors are so hammy, one wonders they’re directed by the same person...Mixed bag that it is, it’s a pleasure to see the lighthearted piece live and to discover, as always some fine thespians."
Read more